JP5231222B2 - Patient support control unit - Google Patents

Abstract

A patient support apparatus includes a bed frame having a head end and a foot end and control circuitry carried by the bed frame. The control circuitry receives information about conditions of the patient support apparatus. A light is coupled to the bed frame adjacent the foot end and is coupled to the control circuitry. The light is in a first state when the patient support apparatus is operating normally and the light is in a second state when the control circuitry detects an alert condition.

Description

  The present invention relates to a control unit of a patient support apparatus such as a mattress. The present invention relates to a patient support control unit particularly suitable for use in hospitals, emergency facilities and other patient care facilities.

《Cross-reference to related applications》
No. 11 / 119,980, “Pressure Relief Surface” (Attorney Docket No. 8266-1220), US patent application Ser. No. 11 / 119,991, filed May 2, 2005. “Patient Support Having Real Time Pressure Control” (Attorney Docket No. 8266-1287), US Patent Application No. 11 / 119,635 “Lack of Patient Movement Monitor and Method” (Attorney Docket No. 8266) 1406), US patent application Ser. No. 11 / 120,080, “Patient Support” (Attorney Docket No. 8266-1416), all of which are assigned to the assignee of the present invention, all of which are disclosed. Is hereby incorporated by reference.

  This application is a related application of US Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 636,252 “Quick Connector for Multimedia” (Attorney Docket No. 8266-1366) filed on December 15, 2004, Assigned to the assignee of the invention, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

In addition, this application is a patent cooperation treaty application filed on July 8, 2005. US Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 697,748 “Pressure Control for a Hospital Bed” (Attorney Docket No. 8266-1403) filed on the same day, corresponding to No. (Attorney Docket No. 8266-1561), 2005 Patent Cooperation Treaty Application No. filed on July 8 Is a related application of US Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 697,723 “Pressure Relief Support Surface” (Attorney Docket No. 8266-1423) filed on the same day, All of which are incorporated herein by reference.

  This application is also a related application of US Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 734,942 “Pneumatic Valve Assembly for a Patient Support” (Attorney Docket No. 8261-1468) filed on November 9, 2005. Yes, assigned to the assignee of the present invention, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

  A control unit for the patient support is provided. The control unit includes a housing that is adapted to be removably coupled to the patient support, the housing being operable to the controller and the controller to provide high volume low pressure air to the first interior space of the patient support. Defining an interior region including an air source including a coupled first portion and a second portion operably coupled to the controller to supply low volume high pressure air to the second interior space of the patient support. ing.

  The first air supply space may include a blower, and the second air supply space may include a compressor. It may further include a hose coupling coupled to the air source. The hose joint may include a first joint portion coupled to the first air supply space and a second joint portion coupled to the second air supply space.

A display unit that is pivotally coupled to the housing may be further included.
It may further include a plurality of communication ports including wireless connectivity ports.
It may further include a memory port configured to accept a removable memory card.
It may further include an identification tag coupled to the housing.

  In another embodiment, a control unit for a patient support is provided. A control unit includes a housing adapted to be removably coupled to a patient support and a display pivotally coupled to the housing, the housing defining an internal region containing a controller and an air source. The display unit is movable with respect to the housing between a raised position and a lowered position, and the display unit includes a video display unit and a touch screen user interface.

The display unit may include a wireless access port. The display may include a memory port configured to accept a removable memory.
A friction hinge coupled between the display unit and the casing may be further included.
When the display unit is in the lifted position, the angle of the display unit with respect to the housing may be at least 180 degrees.
It may further include a detent configured to hold the display in the lowered position.
The user interface may include a graphical representation of the patient support that changes based on the presence or absence of the patient on the patient support.

  In yet another embodiment, a control unit for a patient support is provided. The control unit includes a housing that can be adapted to couple to the patient support, the housing defining an interior region, the controller disposed within the interior region, a user interface coupled to the housing, and a housing And a light bar coupled to the body, the light bar being controllable by the controller to selectively illuminate in one of a plurality of modes.

  Each of the multiple modes may indicate a different operating state of the control unit. The light bar may be lit in the first mode when the patient support is in a position to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The light bar may illuminate in the second mode when the control unit requires inspection. The light bar may illuminate in the third mode when the control unit is turned on and operating normally. The light bar may be lit in the fourth mode when an alarm is triggered. The light bar may illuminate and / or flash (ie, flash) in a different color to indicate a particular mode of operation or for another reason.

  In yet another embodiment, a control unit for a patient support is provided. The control unit is configured to display a graphical user interface including a base including a controller and an air source and at least one graphical display that automatically changes in response to changes in the operating state of the patient support. Display unit.

  The graphic display may display the patient support, and the graphic display may change automatically depending on the human body placed on the patient support. The graphic display may display the patient support, and the graphic display may change automatically in response to a part of the patient support being joint driven. The graphic display may display the patient support, and the graphic display may change automatically in response to changes in expansion of the patient support. The graphical display may display a pressure map of the patient support, and the pressure map may change automatically according to patient movement.

  Corresponding portions are denoted by the same reference numerals throughout the drawings. While the embodiment disclosed herein represents a specific embodiment according to the present invention, the embodiment disclosed below is not intended to be exhaustive and does not disclose the scope of the invention. There is nothing intended to be construed as strictly limiting the form.

  FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a control unit 42 arranged on a typical bed 2. The control unit 42 is configured to control certain automated functions of the mattress 10. The mattress 10 may be any suitable mattress having one or more automatic functions.

  FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a patient support or mattress 10 having an automatic function according to the present invention. Patient support 10 can accommodate patients of any size, weight, height or width. It is also within the scope of the invention to accommodate obese patients weighing 1000 pounds (about 453.6 kg) or more. In order to accommodate patients of various sizes, it may include up to 50 inches (about 127 cm) or wider patient support.

  The patient support 10 is placed on or supported by a typical bed 2. As shown, the bed 2 is a hospital bed that includes a frame 4, a headboard 36, a footboard 38 and a plurality of side rails 40.

  Typically, the frame 4 of a typical bed 2 includes a deck 6 supported on a base 8. The deck 6 may include one or more deck portions (not shown), some or all of which may be articulated, i.e. pivotable relative to the base 8. In general, the patient support 10 is configured to be supported by the deck 6.

  The patient support 10 has a control unit 42 associated therewith, which controls automatic functions of the patient support 10, such as expansion and contraction of internal components of the patient support 10. The control unit 42 includes a user interface 44 that allows a caregiver, maintenance technician, and / or service company to configure the patient support 10 to meet the needs of a particular patient. For example, the support characteristics of the patient support 10 may be adjustable depending on the patient's size, weight, location or activity level. User interface 44 is password protected or designed to prevent access by outsiders.

  The user interface 44 can change the patient support 10 to a different bed configuration. For example, the deck 6 may be a flat deck or a stepped or recessed deck. The end user can also select an appropriate deck configuration via the user interface 44. Depending on the user's choice of hospital bed frame or deck structure, certain mattress components may expand or contract.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the patient support 10 supports a head end 32 that is generally configured to support the patient's head and / or upper torso and generally the patient's foot and / or lower torso. The foot end 34 is configured to. Patient support 10 includes a covering 12 that defines an interior region 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the inner region 14 includes a first layer 20, a second layer 50, and a third layer 52. In other embodiments of the invention, all three of these layers may not be included, or another layer may be included.

  In the illustrated embodiment, the first layer 20 includes a support material, the second layer 50 includes a plurality of vertical inflatable bags disposed under the first layer 20, and the third layer 52 includes A plurality of pressure sensors are disposed under the vertical bag of the second layer 50.

  A plurality of receptacles 54, one or more spacers 56 and an air valve control box 58 are also located within the interior region 14 of a typical patient support. A refractory material (not shown) may be included in the inner region 14.

  Patient support 10 may be coupled to deck 6 by one or more coupling members 46. By way of example, the coupling member 46 is a regular woven or knitted fabric or fabric string that includes a D-shaped ring or strip-shaped hook-and-loop fastener or Velcro® or similar fastener. For example, other suitable coupling members such as buttons, snaps or tethers may be used.

  The components of the illustrated embodiment of a patient support according to the present invention are shown exploded in FIG. The patient support 10 of this embodiment includes an upper covering portion 16 and a bottom covering portion 18. The top covering 16 and the bottom covering 18 use conventional means (eg, fasteners, hook and loop fasteners, snaps, buttons or other suitable fasteners) to form the covering 12 that defines the interior region 14. And combine. Although multiple layers, functions, and / or components are illustrated in the interior region 14, neither the illustrated patient support 10 embodiment nor the present invention requires all of the illustrated components.

  The first support layer 20 is located below the upper covering portion 16 in the inner region 14. The first support layer 20 comprises one or more materials, structures or fabrics suitable for patient support, such as, for example, foam, inflatable bags or three-dimensional materials. Suitable three-dimensional materials include Spacenet, Tytex and / or similar materials.

  Referring again to FIG. 4, a second support layer 50 that includes one or more inflatable bag assemblies is located below the first support layer 20. The illustrated embodiment of the second support layer 50 includes first, second and third bag assemblies, specifically a head bag assembly 60, a seat bag assembly 62 and a foot bag assembly 64. Other embodiments include only one bag assembly extending from the head end 32 to the foot end 34, and other configurations of multiple bag assemblies further include, for example, a thigh bag assembly. In general, the bag assemblies disclosed herein are lightweight and formed from an air impermeable elastic material, such as a polymer material such as polyurethane, urethane coated fabric, vinyl or rubber.

  As an example, a pressure sensing layer 69 including first and second sensor pads, specifically a head sensor pad 68 and a seat sensor pad 70, is disposed under the bag assemblies 60, 62, 64. As shown, head sensor pad 68 is generally aligned with head bag assembly 60 under head bag assembly 60, and seat sensor pad 70 is seat bag assembly under seat bag assembly 62. It is almost aligned with 62. In order to correctly position the head sensor pad 68 under the area of the patient support 10 that is most likely to support the patient's head or upper torso, the head spacer 66 is positioned near the head end 32. In some cases, the sensor pad 68 is disposed adjacent to the sensor pad 68. In another embodiment, a single sensor pad or additional sensor pads are provided, for example, located under and / or differently located under the foot bag assembly 64.

  In the illustrated embodiment, a roll assist cushion or turning bag or rotating bag 74 is located under the sensor pads 68, 70. A typical turning assist cushion 74 shown in FIG. 4 includes a pair of inflatable bags 74a and 74b. Another suitable rotary bag 74 is a bellows type bag. Another suitable rolling assist cushion is disclosed, for example, in US Pat. No. 6,499,167, patented by Ellis et al., Which is owned by the assignee of the present invention, The disclosure is incorporated herein by reference.

  A plurality of other support components 66, 72, 76, 78, 80, 84, 86, 90 are also provided in the mattress of FIG. One or more of these support components are provided to allow the patient support 10 to be used in connection with a variety of different bed frames, particularly bed frames having different deck structures. In order to adapt the patient support 10 to a particular deck structure such as, for example, a stepped or recessed or flat deck, one or more of these support components can be selectively expanded or contracted or the patient support. 10 can be added or removed.

  The support component shown in FIG. 4 comprises a foam, an inflatable bag, a three-dimensional material, other suitable support materials, or combinations thereof. For example, as shown, the head spacer 66 includes a plurality of foam ribs extending laterally of the patient support 10. The head spacer 66 may also be an inflatable bag. The spacer 72 includes a foam layer that is disposed to extend laterally of the patient support 10 substantially below the sensor pads 68, 70. In the illustrated embodiment, the spacer 72 is made of a very hard foam, such as a closed-cell foam made of polyethylene, having a thickness of 1/2 inch (about 1.27 cm). Including.

  The head cradle assembly 76, the seat cradle assembly 78, and the foot cradle assembly 86 each include an inflatable bag spaced longitudinally by a connecting plate 144.

  As shown, the first foot spacer 80 includes a plurality of inflatable bags extending laterally of the patient support 10 and the second foot spacer 84 is illustrative. To include a foam member that has been partially cut away to allow the foot to be retracted or for other reasons. The deck spacer 90 includes a plurality of laterally extending inflatable bags. As shown, the deck spacer 90 includes two bags disposed on the outside of the covering 12 and respectively disposed below the head and the seat of the mattress. The deck spacer 90 may include one or more bag regions, but may be disposed within the inner region 14 without departing from the scope of the present invention.

  Further, in the illustrated embodiment, an air valve box 58 and an air supply pipe assembly 82 are provided. The receiving portion 88 is sized to accommodate the air valve box 58. In the illustrated embodiment, the receiver 88 is coupled to the bottom cover 18 using a strip-shaped Velcro®. The air box 58 and the piping assembly 82 are described below with reference to FIGS.

  In the illustrated embodiment, the support layer 20 includes a breathable or air permeable material that provides cushioning or support to the patient thereon and allows air to circulate under the patient. The circulating air may be cooled or warmed to obtain the ambient temperature or the desired therapeutic effect.

  Further, in the illustrated embodiment, the support layer 20 is an enclosure of a low friction air permeable material that is movable as the patient moves on the patient support 10, for example, to reduce shear forces. (E.g., spandex, nylon or similar material). In another embodiment, the enclosure is made of an air impermeable, moisture permeable / vapor permeable material such as Teflon or urethane coated fabric.

  FIG. 5 shows a schematic diagram of the air control system of the patient support 10. Reading FIG. 5 from left to right, the various air regions 160, the simplified side of the patient support 10, the schematically depicted air valve box 58, the schematically depicted control unit 42, and the unit 42. In order to best show the air pipes 146, 148, 150 connecting the valve box 58 and the air region 160, a part of the air piping is cut away and the upper surface of the patient support 10 is shown in a simplified manner.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the air region 160 of the patient support 10 is arranged as follows: region 1 corresponds to the head bag assembly 60, region 2 corresponds to the seat bag assembly 62, region 3 corresponds to the foot bag assembly 64, area 4 corresponds to the upper cradle 140, area 5 corresponds to the lower cradle 142, area 6 corresponds to the upper foot cradle 140, and area 7 corresponds to the lower part. Corresponding to the foot cradle 142, region 8 corresponds to the first turn assisting bag 74, region 9 corresponds to the second turn assisting bag 74, region 10 corresponds to the deck spacer 90, and The region 11 corresponds to the foot spacer 80.

  Air piping 150 couples each region 160 to a valve assembly 162 within valve box 58. The valve box 58 is disposed on the foot 34 of the patient support 10. As an example, the valve box 58 is releasably coupled within the interior region 14 to the bottom 18 of the covering 12, ie, coupled using one or more Velcro fasteners or other suitable coupling members. ing.

  One end of each air line 150 is coupled to a corresponding bag or bag assembly air inlet 135. The other end of each air line 150 is coupled to the valve assembly 162. Each valve assembly 162 includes a first or injection valve 163 and a second or discharge valve 165. The first valve 163 is coupled to an air supply source 152 of the control unit 42 using an air pipe 148. In this way, the first valve 163 operates to control the expansion of the corresponding region 160, i.e., to fill the region with air. The second valve 165 may be used, for example, when the air pressure in the region 160 exceeds a predetermined maximum, or when contraction is necessary or desirable in other situations (eg, when medically urgent or patient support is required). During the transfer of the body 10) it operates to at least partially contract or evacuate the corresponding region 160.

  Each of the valves 163 and 165 has an open mode 224 and a close mode 226, and has a switch opening / closing mechanism 228 (for example, a spring) that switches a value from one mode to the other mode based on a control signal from the control unit 42. When in the closed mode 226, air flows from the supply source 152 through the valve 163 to each region 160 to inflate the corresponding bag, and in the case of the vent valve 165, from the region 160 to the atmosphere. In the open mode 224, neither expansion nor contraction occurs.

  In the illustrated embodiment, an emergency vent valve 230 is provided that draws air from the atmosphere through the filter 164 and exhausts it through the filter 164 to allow for quick shrinkage of the turnover bag 74. The supply source 152 is an air pump, compressor, blower or other suitable air source.

  The air supply source 152 is coupled to the switch valve 166 using an air pipe 146. The switch valve 166 operates to control both the expansion and contraction of the region. An optional proportional valve 171 may be coupled to the air line 148 to facilitate smooth inflation or deflation of the turn assist bag 74 or for another reason.

  In the illustrated embodiment, the valve box 58 includes a first valve module 156 and a second valve module 158. The first valve module 156 generally includes a valve associated with the first side of the patient, and the second valve module 158 generally includes a valve associated with the second side of the patient.

  The various regions 160 can be individually expanded. Certain portions of region 160 are inflated or deflated so that patient support 10 matches a different bed frame structure. For example, the deck spacer 90 (region 10 in FIG. 5) can be used to place the patient support 10 in a specific bed structure, for example, TotalCare, manufactured by Hill-Rom, Inc., the assignee of the present invention. The patient support 10 is inflated to match a stepped deck configuration including a registered trademark and CareAssist® bed frame, but the patient support 10 is, for example, an Advanta manufactured by Hill-Rom, Inc. When used with a flat deck frame, such as (Advanta) (R), it will shrink. As another example, the foot spacer 80 (region 11 in FIG. 5) is inflated when the patient support 10 is used with VersaCare®, Total Care or Care Assist Bed. However, the lower cradle 142 (region 5 in FIG. 5) is not inflated when the patient support 10 is used with a versace care bed. As yet another example, when the patient support 10 is being used with a flat deck or other bed frame including Hill-Rom, Incorporated Advanter and Versacare bed frames, a lower foot spacer 142 (Region 7 in FIG. 5) is inflated.

  6 and 7 show simplified schematic diagrams of a control system for a patient support or mattress 10 according to the present invention. FIG. 6 illustrates a simplified patient support 10 that includes various components of the patient support 10, and FIG. 7 illustrates a simplified control unit 42 and components therein. Patient support 10 includes a sensor pad 52 coupled to an air valve control box 58 as described above. The sensor pad 52 includes a head sensor pad 68 and a seat sensor pad 70. The head sensor pad 68 is disposed at the head end 32 of the mattress 10. The seat sensor pad 70 is disposed at the center of the mattress 10 at a position between the head end 32 and the air valve control box 58. The seat sensor pad 70 is arranged such that when the mattress 10 is in a tilted state, the center or seat of the patient lying thereon is positioned thereon. Further, when the head end 32 of the mattress 10 is lifted, the patient seat is located above the seat sensor pad 70. The head sensor pad 68 is located under the head bag assembly 60, and the seat sensor pad 70 is located under the seat bag assembly 62. One sensor of each of the head sensor pad 68 or the seat sensor pad 70 is located under or at least adjacent to one of the standing cylindrical bags or cushions 50. In order to adjust the pressure in the seat bag 62, the head angle sensor 502 is coupled to a control box 58 in which signals received from the sensor can provide head angle information and pressure adjustment information.

  The sensor pad 52 is coupled to the air control box 58 through an associated cable. The air control box 58 includes a multiplexer 508 coupled to the head sensor pad 68 and the seat sensor pad 70 through signal and control lines 510. The multiplexer board 508 is then coupled to an air control board 512 that is coupled to the first valve group 514 and the second valve group 516. Communication / power line 518 is coupled to control unit 42 of FIG. Similarly, a ventilation supply line 520 that causes an air flow in the patient support 10 to cool the patient and remove moisture from the patient is also coupled to the control unit 42 of FIG. Similarly, an air pressurization / decompression pipe 522 for inflating and deflating the air bladder is also coupled to the control unit 42.

  The control unit 42 of FIG. 7 includes a display 44 for displaying a user interface screen and a user interface input device 524 for inputting user selection information such as selection of various functions and features of the device to the control unit 42. . Selection at the user interface input device 524 controls all operating modes of the patient support 10 and allows for selectable pressure control of various bags within the mattress 10, such as the bed 2 being in the head raised position, etc. In addition to the six controls, it may include displaying the current status and other characteristics of the mattress or deck position.

  An algorithm control board 526 is coupled to the user interface input device 524. The algorithm control board 526 receives a user-generated input signal received through the input device 524 at the same time that the user selects these functions. The input device 524 may include various input devices such as pressure activated push buttons, touch screens as well as voice activated or other device selectable inputs. The algorithm control board 526 receives various control signals through the user input device 524 and at the same time controls the operation of the mattress 10 as well as various different devices incorporated in the control unit 42. For example, the algorithm control panel 526 is coupled to a display board 528 that transmits a signal to the display 44 to which the algorithm control panel 526 is coupled. The display board 528 may display various features selected by the input device 24, or the condition of the patient on the patient support (e.g., exiting), or the condition of the therapy being performed on the patient (e.g., circulatory therapy). It is also coupled to an output device, such as a speaker 530 that may generate an audible signal, for example. The algorithm control board 526 typically receives as much power as necessary from a power source 532 that includes a DC input module 534 coupled to a wall outlet in a hospital room or other patient treatment or medical facility.

  The algorithm control board 526 is coupled to an air supply including a compressor 536 and a blower 538 in the illustrated embodiment. Both the compressor 536 and the blower 538 receive the control signal generated by the algorithm control board 526. The compressor 536 is used to inflate the bladder in accordance with instructions received from the algorithm control board 526. The blower 538 is used to circulate the air supplied from the ventilation supply pipe 520 to the mattress 10. However, the compressor 536 can also be used for both inflating the bag and circulating the air in the mattress 10. A pressurization / decompression switch valve 540 is coupled to a compressor 536 that is switched to pressurize / depressurize the air of the mattress 10. A silencer 541 is coupled to the valve 540. When in the pressurized position, air pressure is applied to inflate all or part of the mattress 10 to support the patient. When in the depressurized position, the mattress may be collapsed using a valve 540 to depressurize the bag, for example, to provide a transfer or cardiopulmonary resuscitation function to another location. A cardiopulmonary resuscitation button 542 is coupled to the algorithm control board 526.

  An identification tag 544 may be associated with the control unit 42. The identification tag 544 may be attached to the outer surface of the control unit casing, or may be installed in the internal area of the control unit casing. The identification tag may include a bar code or a magnetic strip and may generate infrared, wireless, or other suitable electromagnetic signal indicative of a unique number identifier associated with the control unit 42. Such a unique number identifier may be used to identify, track, and monitor the status of the control unit using, for example, a positioning and tracking system. An example of such an identification and tracking system is disclosed in US Pat. No. 6,462,656, issued to Ulrich et al., Assigned to the assignee of the present invention. Which is incorporated herein by reference.

  As shown, the algorithm control board 526, compressor 536, blower 538 and user input device or user control module 524 are located outside the mattress and placed or removed from the footboard 38 as shown in FIG. Part of the control unit 42 that may be positioned as possible. A sensor and sensor pad 52, an air valve control box 58 and an air control panel or microprocessor 512 for controlling the valve and sensor pad system 52 are located in the mattress 10. It is within the scope of the present invention to place some of these devices in different parts of the overall system, for example, the algorithm control board 526 can be placed in the mattress 10 or the air control board 512 can be placed in the control unit 42. It is. Further, the control box 58 can be disposed outside the mattress 10 in combination with the control unit 42.

  As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, one embodiment of the control box 58 includes a multiplexer 252 and an air control panel 250. Control board 250 is coupled to multiplexer 252 by jumper line 254. In addition, multiplexer 252 is coupled to head sensor pad 68 and seat sensor pad 70 through signal and control lines (not shown). The control panel 250 is also coupled to the first valve module 156 and the second valve module 158 by lead wires 251. A communication / power line 258 couples the control board 250 to the control unit 42. Communication line 258 is coupled to communication plug 259 of control panel 250. Jumper line 254 couples multiplexer 252 to control board 250 for powering and accessing communication line 258. The lead wire 251 supplies starting power to the first and second valve modules 156 and 158.

  The angle sensor cable 256 is provided for transmitting a signal from the head angle sensor 502 to the control panel 250. Angle sensor cable 256 is coupled to angle plug 257 of control panel 250. In the illustrated embodiment, the head angle sensor 502 is disposed within the head cradle assembly 76. The head angle sensor 502 indicates the elevation angle of the head end 32 of the bed 2 as the head of the frame 4 articulates upward to lift the patient's head or lower the patient's head downward. In one embodiment, the angle sensor 502 transfers the angle of the head end 32 to all nodes or circuit boards in the mattress control system 42, 58. The angle sensor 502 generates a display or display signal when the head end 32 is at an angle of at least 5 degrees, at least 30 degrees, and at least 45 degrees. The head angle display is transferred to the control unit 42 where the signal is evaluated and processed. When the head end 32 is at an angle greater than 30 degrees, the turn assist 74 becomes inoperable mainly for patient safety reasons. When head end 32 is at an angle greater than 45 degrees, information is transferred to control unit 42 for use in the algorithm. The 5 degree angle display is primarily to ensure that the patient support 10 is substantially flat. In the illustrated embodiment, the angle sensor 502 is a ball switch or a string potentiometer.

  As described above, the first and second valve modules 156 and 158 include a filling valve 163 and a vent valve 165. The first valve module 156 includes fill valves 163a-f and vent valves 165a-f. Second valve module 156 includes fill valves 163g-l and vent valves 165g-l. In the illustrated embodiment, the fill valves 163a-l and the vent valves 165a-l are 12 volt 7 watt direct acting poppet solenoid valves. The control panel 252 can start each of the filling valves 163a-l and the vent valves 165a-l individually or simultaneously. Fill valves 163a-l and vent valves 165a-l can all be activated simultaneously. During operation, the control board 250 sends a signal to the actuating valve to activate each valve 163,165. The signal energizes a coil (not shown) in each valve for 1/2 second and then switches so that the current pulsates (ie, turns on and off at high speed) to save power during operation. This action then opens or closes the valve with the starting valve.

  Each filling valve 163 is coupled to an air source 152 of the control unit 42 by a second air pipe 148. Air piping 148 includes a box outer piping assembly 260 and a box inner piping assembly 262. The box outer piping assembly 260 includes an external inlet hose 264 and an L-shaped joint 266 coupled to the external inlet hose 264. The box inner piping assembly 262 includes an internal inlet hose 268 coupled to an L-shaped joint 266, a union T-shaped joint 270, a first module hose 272 and a second module hose 274. Fitting 270 has a first opening 276 to receive an internal inlet hose 268, a second opening 278 to receive a first module hose 272, and a third to receive a second module hose 274. Aperture 280. The first and second module hoses 272 and 274 are each coupled to the first and second valve modules 156 and 158 via male connectors 282, respectively. In operation, air from the air source 152 flows through the supply piping 148 and then through the external inlet hose 264 into the box outer piping assembly 260 and through the L-joint 266 to the internal inlet hose 268. The air then flows from the inlet hose 268 to the union tee joint 270 that branches the air to the first module hose 272 and the second module hose 274. Air flows through the first and second module hoses 272, 274 to the first and second valve modules 156, 158, respectively. The operation of the first and second valve modules 156 and 158 will be described below.

  The control box 58 includes a base 284, a cover 286 and a tray 288. Cover 286 includes a plurality of fasteners (ie, screws) 290. The base 284 includes a plurality of threaded cover posts 292. Cover post 292 is configured to receive screw 290 to couple cover 286 to base 284. Cover 286 and base 284 define an interior region 298. The tray 288 is coupled to the base 284 using a plurality of rivets 291 that are riveted through a plurality of rivet holes 293 located in the tray 288 and the base 284.

  The box inner piping assembly 262, the first valve module 156, the second valve module 158, the control panel 250 and the multiplexer 252 are housed in the interior region 298. The base 284 further includes a plurality of control panel columns 294, a plurality of multiplexer columns 296, and a plurality of module columns 300. The first and second valve modules 156, 158 are coupled to the module post 300 using shoulder screws 302 and washers 304. Control panel 250 and multiplexer 252 are coupled to control panel column 294 and multiplexer column 296, respectively, using a plurality of snap fittings 306.

  The first and second valve modules 156 and 158 are attached to the third air pipes 150 a, 150 b, df, and gl through a plurality of connectors 308. The coupler 308 includes a first end 310 and a second end 312. Third air pipes 150a, b, df, and gl each include a fitting (not shown) that is receivable at second end 312. Each first end 310 attaches to an entrance / exit 314 of the first and second valve modules 156, 158. First end 310 attaches through a plurality of openings 316 in base 284.

  A plurality of feedback couplers 318 are mounted through a plurality of feedback openings 320 in the base 284. Feedback coupler 318 includes a first feedback end 322 and a second feedback end 324. The first feedback end 322 is connected to a feedback pipe (not shown) that is next connected to a feedback port 135 located in each air region 160. The second feedback end 324 receives a feedback transfer line 326. Each transfer pipe 326 is coupled to a pressure transducer 328 installed on the control panel 250. The pressure transducer 328 receives the pressure in each air region 160 and forwards a pressure data signal indicating the internal pressure in the region 160 to the control unit 42. The control unit 42 uses these pressure signals to determine the appropriate pressure for specific mattress functions such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation, patient transfer and maximum inflation. The pressure signal from the transducer 328 coupled to the foot region 160k is also used to maintain the optimum pressure in the foot region 160k. In the illustrated embodiment, the pressure in the foot region 160k (region 3) is calculated as a ratio to the pressure in the seat region 160e (region 2). The pressure in the seat region 160e and the head region 160f is determined using both the transducer 328 and the pressure sensor 136. The pressure in one or more regions 160 may be adjustable in real time.

  As shown in FIG. 5, fill valves 163a-l and vent valves 165a-l are coupled to each part of patient support 10 through third air pipes 150a, b, df and g-l. . The filling valve 163a and the ventilation valve 165a are coupled to the upper foot receiving base 140c, the filling valve 163b and the ventilation valve 165b are coupled to the lower receiving base 142a, b, the filling valve 163c is coupled to the atmosphere, and the ventilation valve 165c is It is left for future treatment. The filling valve 163d and the vent valve 165d are coupled to the first turning assist 74a, the filling valve 163e and the vent valve 165e are coupled to the seat bag 62, and the filling valve 163f and the vent valve 165f are connected to the head bag assembly 60. The filling valve 163g and the ventilation valve 165g are joined to the foot spacer 80, the filling valve 163h and the ventilation valve 165h are joined to the upper receiving bases 140a and 140b, and the filling valve 163i and the ventilation valve 165i are between the decks. Coupled to the seat 90, the fill valve 163j and the vent valve 165j are coupled to the first turning assist 74b, the fill valve 163k and the vent valve 165k are coupled to the foot bag 164, and the fill valve 163l and the vent valve 165l are downward It is coupled to the foot cradle 142c. The vent valves 165d, j are urged to the open position to discharge air from the first and second turn assists 74a, 74b when the first and second turn assists 74a, 74b are not used. . When the mattress is turned off or loses pressure, and the air is discharged from the first and second turning assists 74a, 74b, the vent valves 165d, j return to the open position. When air is exhausted from region 160, the pressure in region 160 after contraction is determined in real time by control systems 42, 58 rather than being preset.

  In one embodiment, the user enters an input command into the control unit 42. The control unit 42 processes the input command and transfers a control signal based on the input command to the control panel 250 through the communication line 258. Additionally or alternatively, the control signal may be an operational information, such as information obtained from the transducer 328 and / or sensor 136 from the control unit 42 for increasing or decreasing the pressure in one or more regions of the region 160. May be based.

  Note that in the illustrated embodiment, the mattress controllers 42, 58 are independent of the operation of the bed frame 4. However, in another embodiment, the bed frame 4 and the mattress 10 may be configured to exchange or share data over a communication line. As an example, data may be transmitted from the bed frame 4 to the mattress system 42, 58 and used to adjust the support parameters of the mattress 10. For example, in one embodiment, a signal is transferred from the frame 4 when the foot 34 is retracted, which causes the mattress system 42, 58 to react to reduce the internal pressure of the vertical bag 50 in the foot assembly 64. To do.

  As described above, the air source 152 can function as a pressure reducer to supply air or to remove air from the region 160. When in the supply mode, the microprocessor on the control panel 250 starts the corresponding filling valve 163a-l or ventilation valve 165a-l based on the control signal from the control unit 42. For example, when the control signal indicates that the pressure in the head bag assembly 160 should be increased, the fill valve 163f is activated. However, when the control signal indicates that the pressure in the head bag assembly 160 should be reduced, the vent valve 165f is activated. When in the reduced pressure mode, one or more fill valves 163a-l may operate to quickly remove air in the corresponding region.

  FIG. 10 shows the overall system structure 570 of the mattress according to the present invention. As described above, the multiplexer board 508, also known as the sensor communication hub, is coupled to the head region sensor 68 and the seat region sensor 70. Similar to the optical system equipment, the multiplexer 508 includes several perceptual algorithms described below. The system structure 570 also includes an algorithm control unit 526 that includes a second sensory algorithm set 574 and a control algorithm 576. The outputs of multiplexer 508 and algorithm control unit 526 are coupled to a network 578 that is also coupled to air control unit 512 and liquid crystal display unit 44. Network 578 includes interface devices, also known as communication hubs. The network 578 functions as a communication bus for various devices, software, and firmware control devices.

  As described above, multiplexer 508 includes a perceptual algorithm 572. The algorithm control unit 526 also includes a perceptual algorithm that can include a pressure mitigation algorithm to provide operational metrics, to provide weight estimates, and to provide information to the liquid crystal display including statistical model calculations. Including.

  FIG. 11 shows a block diagram of a control system 580 that incorporates a liquid crystal display unit 44, an air control unit panel 512, a communication hub or network 508 and an algorithm control unit 526. A communication hub 508 that receives sensor data from the head region sensor 68 and the seat region sensor 70 is both a liquid crystal display unit 44 and an algorithm control unit 526 through a first sensor data line 582 and a second sensor data line 584, respectively. Is bound to. As described with reference to FIG. 10, the algorithm control unit 526 includes a perceptual algorithm 574 and a control algorithm 576. The algorithm control unit 526 includes a first output line 586 coupled to the liquid crystal display unit 44 for transferring the patient posture monitoring state, a second control line 588 for transmitting the operation state, and an algorithm control unit A third control line 590 for communicating status is included. In addition, the algorithm control unit 526 includes a fourth output line 592 coupled to each of these regions that transfers the region pressure limits for each head, seat and foot region to the air control unit panel 512. The air control unit board 512 including the aforementioned pressure sensor returns a control pressure band feedback signal to the algorithm control unit 526 through line 594. In addition to the various mode command signals, the display unit 44 transmits a bed type command signal control signal for adjusting the bed frame or deck to the algorithm control unit 526 through the control line 596 by the user input interface device 524.

  As described with reference to FIG. 10, the present invention includes not only a control algorithm but also a perceptual algorithm. The perceptual algorithm is provided in firmware located in multiplexer 508 and algorithm control unit 526. Perception algorithms include: detection of the lowest position when part of the object is supported by the bed frame rather than the bed surface, detection of exit from the bed, sitting on the side of the bed Detection, detection of the patient lying on the edge of the bed surface, detection of no movement of the patient on the bed surface for a certain period of time, the following six postures, lying on the left, sitting on the left, lying on the center Patient posture monitoring by distinguishing between sitting in the middle, lying on the right, sitting on the right, and the weight of the patient lying in and lying in bed with an error of around 20% To measure. The control system algorithm located in the control system algorithm firmware 576 is depressurized by dynamic load distribution adjustment of the surface air bag of the mattress 10 located on the head area sensor pad 68 and the seat area sensor pad 70. To optimize.

  Referring now to FIG. 12, the illustrated embodiment of the control unit 42 includes a housing 22. The outer housing 22 includes a top end 26, a bottom end 28, a first side 92 and a second side 94. The outer housing 22 defines an internal region that houses control unit components that will be described in detail below.

  The display unit 24 is coupled to the housing 22 so as to be pivotable. In addition, the outer housing 22 includes a rotatable handle 98, a coupling assembly including first and second hanging objects 100 and 102, an air filter 110, a power input port 112, a power switch 114, first and second switches. The legs 104, 106 and the cable 108 are shown connected. A visual indicator or light bar 96 is also provided.

  In FIG. 13, the display part 24 in the use position rotated upward is shown. Once placed in the use position, the display panel 116 is easily visible to the caregiver. In the illustrated embodiment, the display panel 116 is a liquid crystal display that includes a touch screen control panel that allows a user to easily touch a predetermined location with a fingertip to instruct the patient support to control. As will be described later in this specification, the video display panel 116 is configured to display video clips and help screens, including videos describing the operation, installation and / or maintenance procedures of the patient support 10. All aspects of the user interface of the display panel 116 can display in multiple languages including, for example, English and Spanish. In the illustrated embodiment, the display panel 116 is a 8.4 inch high contrast mode splash-up liquid crystal display screen.

  In addition, the display 24 is provided with an infrared (IRDA) port 118 that enables data collection and / or communication over a network using wireless technology. For example, usage data regarding the use of the mattress 10 and / or service information (i.e., how often the mattress inspection was performed) is transmitted to a remote computer processing device via the wireless network using the infrared port 118. There is a case.

  A memory port 120 is also provided in the display unit 24. The memory port 120 is configured to removably receive a memory card such as a compact flash memory, for example. For example, the SD memory card may be used to configure the control unit 42 with, for example, upgrade firmware, software replacement, or updated or added training or inspection videos. This eliminates the need to stop the control unit 42 to perform these and other types of upgrades and adjustments.

  Further, the display unit 24 includes cover panels 122 and 124 that are detachably coupled to the outer casing 128 of the display unit 24. In general, the cover panels 122 and 124 are made of the same material (that is, polycarbonate) as the other parts of the outer casing of the display unit 24. Cover panels 122 and 124 are primarily provided to protect communication and data ports 118 and 120 when not in use. The cover panels 122 and 124 may be coupled to the outer housing 128 with one or more fasteners (ie, screws). The outer housing 128 may also include a bracket configured to fit into a fitting portion of a footboard, headboard, side rail or similar portion of the bed.

  Usage data or service data that may be collected and transferred through the infrared port 118 may include an error log or log regarding the use of the mattress.

  FIG. 14 shows a simplified exploded view of the internal components of the display unit 24. The front or top 128 of the outer housing of the display 24 is coupled to the back or bottom 130 with a series of fasteners 132 that pass through a series of openings 134. The pivot assembly 194 includes a friction hinge 142 and a cylindrical member 138 that includes a plurality of spaced openings 140. The hollow semi-cylindrical region of the display unit 24 includes a female end 180 and a male end 178. A pivotable coupling assembly 194 is located within the semicircle of the display 24 as indicated by dashed lines 186, 188 and 190.

  Corresponding female 184 and male 182 portions are provided at the upper end 26 of the outer housing of the control unit 42. Accordingly, the pivot assembly 194 mates with the joints 182 and 184 as indicated by the dashed lines 186 and 192. A preferred hinge 142 is a model MH40 manufactured by Reell Precision Manufacturing Corporation (www.reell.com) in St. Paul, Minnesota. As described above, the hinge 142 allows rotation between an upward or lifted use position and a lowered or closed storage position. However, the display can be stopped at any position between these two extreme positions. The operating range of the rotatable display is greater than 180 degrees.

  The video display unit 24 includes a housing front or top 128 and a housing back or bottom 130. Inside these two housing parts that define the interior region, a touch screen 119 is provided that is located above or above the liquid crystal display assembly 115. An insulator (not shown) is provided between the liquid crystal display assembly 115 and the printed circuit board or the liquid crystal display board 121. The liquid crystal display cable 117 couples the display unit 24 to the algorithm control board 196 through the opening of the male unit 178.

  FIG. 15 shows the control unit 42 with the housing back 234 removed to show certain internal components of the control unit 42. Internal components of the control unit 42 include an algorithm control board 526, a blower 198, a hose coupling 200, a hose 202 connecting the hose coupling 200 to the blower 198, a pump or compressor 204, a valve assembly 206 and a power input assembly 208. including. These components are described in detail below.

  FIG. 16 shows a plurality of protective insertion members 210, 212, 214 provided in the internal region of the control unit 42. The insertion member is aligned with the internal region of the control unit 42 as indicated by dashed lines 216 and 218. Each plug-in member 210, 212, 214 is made of an insulating material such as EPAC (Electronic Package Assembly Concept) foam. The EPAC foam provides the control unit 42 with an internal chassis. The foam members 210, 212, and 214 have one or more cooling pipes that circulate air therein. Such an air pipe (not shown) serves as a conduit for discharging any blower air that leaks. The insertion members 210, 212, and 214 function to suppress structural noise. In addition to the foam inserts 210, 212, 214, for example, the compressor 204 may include additional rubber fittings to improve sound and / or vibration performance.

  17 and 18 are exploded views of the internal components of the control unit 42. FIG. FIG. 17 shows the components from the perspective of a person looking at the housing front 232. FIG. 18 shows the components from the opposite perspective. With particular reference to FIG. 17, the housing front 232 includes a display 24, a visual indicator or light bar 96, and a cardiopulmonary resuscitation button 30. The handle 98 is pivotally connected to the upper end 26 of the housing front 232.

  The visual indicator or light bar 96 includes an LED lens 236, a light pipe 238 and an LED plate 240. The LED lens 236 provides a transparent surface for transmitting LED light. The lens may be surface patterned or matte to adjust the light divergence. The LED light pipe 238 provides an optical path through which LED light passes. The light pipe 238 is made of molded plastic. In the illustrated embodiment, the light pipe 238 is split in two to facilitate formability. The light pipe 238 may be surface-patterned or matte to adjust the light divergence. The LED plate 240 is coupled to the algorithm control board 196 to control the operation of the visual indicator or light bar 96.

  The light bar 96 functions to visually alert the caregiver of mattress 10, control unit 42, or patient-related conditions that may require attention. The light bar 96 may light green, blink green, or may not light at all if the control unit and / or mattress are operating normally. The light bar may be intermittently lit to indicate different modes of normal operation. For example, a green light may indicate a decompression mode, while a green blink may indicate another mode (eg, maximum inflation, turn over assistance, etc.). Different modes (eg, yellow or amber light up or flashing) require a control unit or mattress to be inspected or an alarm (eg, bed exit alarm as described elsewhere in this specification) is triggered It may be used to indicate what has been done. Yet another mode (eg, lit or blinking red) to indicate that the mattress cardiopulmonary resuscitation function is on, to indicate that the patient does not move or is suffering, or May be used for other purposes. For example, the light bar 96 may be placed elsewhere in the specification to generate another visual alarm (eg, orange light) if the patient's movement exceeds or falls below an acceptable range. It may be linked to the operation monitoring function described above. Also, for example, to generate a visual alarm when a patient is about to leave the bed or is lying near the end of the bed, the light bar 96 is described elsewhere herein. It may be linked to one or more bed alarm settings.

  The housing front 232 supports a foam plug member 214 in which most of the internal components are mounted. The housing front surface 232 becomes the outer shape of the LED lens 236 and the light pipe 238 and supports them, and receives the speaker 242 with its flange. The housing front 232 is made of a Noryl foam molded product in order to satisfy the criteria of the applied drop test.

  The handle 98 is attached to the housing front surface 232 using a shoulder screw. The handle is blow molded with polycarbonate. The algorithm control unit board 526 is described elsewhere in this specification with reference to FIGS. 7 and 19, for example.

  The air pipe 108 is coupled to the switching valve 206 using an inlet / outlet pipe 244. Separate pipes 244a and 244b are provided for the inlet and outlet pipes.

  The blower 198 is a commercially available blower such as, for example, Ametek model number 150166-00. The compressor 204 is a commercially available compressor such as Thomas model number 6025SE-XP, part number 950115, or the like. The switching valve 206 is a commercially available pressurization / decompression valve such as, for example, Numatics model number 92114-2. The various air lines used to interconnect the air supplies in the control system are typically conventional air lines. Various joints and wiring are also used to interconnect the electrical equipment in the control unit 42 and the patient support 10. Rubber bumpers and screw caps are used to cover and hide screws and other fasteners of the control unit assembly. A plurality of labels or label portions 332 (FIG. 12) are provided as needed to meet sales and regulatory standards.

  Input power 246 includes, for example, a power source such as XP model number ECM130PS12, a power inlet, such as Colcom model number PE0S0DBX0, and a 120 volt power filter, such as Corcom model number 3MZ1, for example.

  Foam insertion members 210 and 212 hold other parts in place. For example, the plug member 212 holds the blower, compressor, and power source in place, and the plug member 210 holds the power source, speaker, and power inlet in the correct position. Plug-in member 214 is also made of EPAC (Electronic Package Assembly Concept) foam and is used to hold the algorithm control unit, compressor, blower, switching valve and power supply in place. The use of these foam inserts 210, 212, 214 eliminates the need for metal chassis and fasteners.

  The first and second end lids 248 conceal the screws and other molded parts of the front and back surfaces 232 and 234 of the housing. The end lid is made of Santoprene thermoplastic rubber (TPR). The end cover 248 serves as a protective cushioning material in the event of an impact or drop. The first end lid 248, located adjacent to the friction hinge 142, also includes a set of ribs that serve to hold the friction hinge in place. Note that the housing portions 232, 234, 248 are meshing walls that are designed to prevent ingress of liquid.

  The filter holding unit 110 positions the foamed air filter and holds it on the front surface of the housing and on the front surfaces of the air supply ports on the back surfaces 232 and 234. The filter 110 is formed of polycarbonate.

The hose receptacle 200 receives and holds the hose end. The hose receptacle 200 also receives a gasket to prevent air leakage. One or more air pipes and electrical contacts (ie, three and eight in the illustrated embodiment, respectively) are attached to the receptacle. The receptacle 100 is made of Valox or other very strong material. The receptacle 200 is held at a predetermined place by the front and rear surfaces 232 and 234 of the housing. The receptacles and corresponding hoses are described in detail in US Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 636,252 (Attorney Docket No. 8266-1366), assigned to the assignee of the present invention, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Which is incorporated herein by reference.
The hose itself includes electrical contacts and air tubing that connects directly to the patient support 10.

  The housing back 234 holds and compresses the back and side foam inserts 212 to hold all internal components in place. The housing back 234 also provides a mounting point for the hanger assemblies 100, 102 to hold the speaker 242 in place. The housing back surface 234 is made of a Noryl structure foam material that meets the criteria of the applicable drop test.

  The control unit 42 can be placed on the footboard or other part of the bed frame or on the floor. The hanging hardware assemblies 100 and 102 are provided for attaching the control unit 42 to a portion of the bed, ie, the footboard. These hanging objects are configured to support four times the weight of the control unit 42 without falling. Each suspension 100, 102 may be rotated or reconfigured into various shapes to accommodate a variety of different footboards or other beds. A similar suitable hanger assembly is described in US Pat. No. 6,735,799, patented by Ellis et al., Which is assigned to the assignee of the present invention, see its disclosure. Is incorporated herein by reference.

  The feet 104 and 106 are provided mainly for stability and protection when the control unit 42 is placed on the floor. In the illustrated embodiment, the feet 104, 106 are made of rubber.

  A pivot cover 222 is provided to hold the pivot tips of the hanger assemblies 100, 102 that are coupled to the housing back 234. The cover 222 is also adjustable to adjust the distance between the cover 222 and the hooks 100,102.

  For example, when the control unit 42 is moved, a rubber detent 330 is provided to hold the display unit 24 in a predetermined position, that is, in the storage or lower position. These detents 330 resist the upward rotation of the display unit 24.

  As described above, the control unit 42 includes the user interface of the mattress 10, the mattress interface, the mechanical system, and the control means. FIG. 19 is a simplified block diagram of the control unit 42 at the system level. FIG. 19 shows the main components of the control unit 42 including the display board 528 and the algorithm board 526. In the illustrated embodiment, the display board 528 and the algorithm board 526 have a control function of the entire mattress system. Display board 528 comprises the main interface between the end user, technician or caregiver and the mattress system. Display board 528 also includes a mattress system user interface.

  In the illustrated embodiment, the user interface includes a touch screen image display. The display board 528 can also play back video files stored in the memory 550 using commercially available software such as Windows Media Player. Such video files can also be used, for example, during system installation and user training. The display board 528 serves to store user data and to access these data via the IRDA infrared port 118. The display board interfaces with the algorithm board 526 and the rest of the mattress system via CAN bus connections 552, 554.

  The algorithm control board 526 controls the normal operation of the mattress system by executing an algorithm that converts the user's request into a desired action. These algorithms may also be implemented, for example, to set an appropriate mattress pressure distribution for the patient, detect the patient's posture, and / or assist the patient in turning using the turning aid bag 74.

  As described above, algorithm board 526 provides CAN bus connection 552 to other system components. The algorithm control board 526 also controls the speed of the blower 198 that is primarily used to cool the mattress device. The algorithm control board 526 provides power to the tracking identification tag 544 and controls the pressurization / depressurization switching valve 540 that allows for expansion and rapid contraction in one or more portions of the mattress 10. The algorithm control board 526 provides switched AC power to the system compressor 204 via an optically isolated triac circuit. A cardiopulmonary resuscitation button 542 is also coupled to the algorithm board 526.

  Electrically coupled to display board 528 includes infrared port 118, memory 550, speaker 530, touch screen 524, liquid crystal display 546 and backlight converter 548.

  The structure of the display panel is shown in more detail in FIG. FIG. 20 shows a simplified block diagram of the display board 528. Display board 528 includes a 32-bit microcontroller 556. In the illustrated embodiment, an AMD AMD 1100 32-bit microcontroller is used. Other suitable microprocessors include the Intel Xscale and Freescale IDOTMX21. A CAN microcontroller is coupled to the main controller 556 to provide CAN functionality. In the illustrated embodiment, the CAN microcontroller is an Atmel T89C51CC01. A CAN transceiver 560 is coupled to the CAN microcontroller 558. In the illustrated embodiment, the transceiver is a Philips TJA 1054. The CAN controller 558 communicates with the main controller 556 via the UART. Between these two devices, a level shift buffer function 562 is provided. As an option, the CAN controller 558 can be used to change the brightness of the backlight of the video display unit using the pulse width modulation output. The CAN controller 558 provides a serial interface to the real time clock of the display board 528.

  As shown, a small flash card or other suitable memory 550 may be coupled to the display board microcontroller 556. In this way, training videos or other types of videos can be coupled to the microcontroller for one or both of the caregiver and technician installing, using, or installing the patient support 10. It may be stored on a removable flash memory card. The flash memory card 550 may provide software application and system operating system update means. A suitable flash memory card is a secure digital (SD) card, but a compact flash (CF) card also has the necessary capabilities and works equally well. As shown, the display board 528 supports either a CF card or an SD card.

  The main function of the CAN microcontroller 558 of the display board 528 is to convert the CAN message from the mattress system to an RS232 based message for one display microcontroller 556, and the serial message of the display microcontroller 556 to the CAN message. Is formatted and sent out via the CAN bus. The CAN microcontroller 558 has 80C51 COR, 32 kilobytes of flash memory, 2 kilobytes of flash memory for the boot loader, 2 kilobytes of EEPROM storage for variables, and full-duplex UART. The real time clock is implemented with a Dallas Semiconductor DS13O7Z connected to the serial bus of the CAN microcontroller 558. The power to the real time clock is supplied by individual batteries. The backlight 548 of the liquid crystal display is realized using the pulse modulation output of the CAN microcontroller 558. The resetting of the display microcontroller 556 is accomplished by buffering the output of the CAN microcontroller 558 to the reset pin of the supply voltage monitor 564.

  The CAN microcontroller 558 can be implemented using standard C programming and microcontroller emulation tools, as well as Micro Vision Keil 8051, C language software tools and CANalizer ProCAN. The CAN microcontroller 558 serves as a protocol interface between the display board microcontroller 556 and other parts of the mattress system. The CAN microcontroller 558 includes firmware having a great deal of capability, and performs a self-test every time it is powered on. Since the CAN microcontroller 558 is a pure two-peer bus, all messages transmitted are available to each component through the bus. Thus, each individual component determines which CAN message it should respond to.

  The touch screen user interface 524 is a 5-wire overlay controlled by a peripheral controller. Peripheral controller 562 controls the touch screen and includes a digital / analog converter for audio output to a power amplifier that drives speaker 530. The peripheral controller may be any controller having both a voice drive circuit and a 5-wire touch screen controller such as, for example, Wolfson's WM9712L.

  The serial debug port 566 is provided for software debugging and for possible field upgrades, eg, by a technician. The serial debug port 566 connects to the second UART port of the display microcontroller 556.

  An EJTAG port 568 is provided. Display microcontroller 556 utilizes EJTAG port 568 for program monitoring, debugging and access to MIPSCORE.

  The IRDA port 118 transfers data that is electrically isolated to the display board 528. Infrared port 118 is built into display microcontroller 556 and is supported in software.

  The power source of the management circuit 598 includes a startup and reset circuit for the display board 528. This circuit is designed to allow the display microcontroller 556 to accurately exit cold start or warm reset. The power supply of the management circuit 598 controls the power of the peripheral device CAN, the storage device, and the peripheral controller.

  Display board 528 also includes a memory. The illustrated display board 528 supports one or both of 128 megabit SDRAM and 64 megabit flash memory. In the illustrated embodiment, the liquid crystal display 546 is a TFT VGA liquid crystal display (640 × 480) with a TTFL backlight.

  FIG. 21 shows a simplified block diagram of the algorithm board 526. The algorithm board 526 receives the converted user command that is received by the display board 528 and then transmitted to the CAN bus 554. The algorithm board 526 then operates properly by interacting with the remaining system components. In addition, the algorithm board 526 directly controls a cardiopulmonary resuscitation button 542 and a diagnostic LED light bar 96 that can be used to solve problems in other applications.

  The microcontroller 604 of the algorithm board 526 is a Motorola Free Style MC9S12DJ128BCFU or other suitable 16-bit microcontroller with a 128 kilobit flash EEPROM that can be upgraded to 256 kilobits as needed. The algorithm control microcontroller 604 includes 8 kilobits of RAM memory, two UART ports, and seven 8 bit PWM channels, and the algorithm control microcontroller 604 incorporates a CAN controller that supports the current version of CAN. Have.

  The software of the algorithm board 526 is developed using commercially available development tools such as Code Warrier and Metro Werks' Professional Edition C compiler. Yes. The algorithm control panel microcontroller 604 may be Renesas (Mitsubishi) M306N5FCCTFP or Renesas (Hitachi) HD64F2623. The algorithm control board microcontroller 604 has a defined structure, on-chip programming with flash memory, the ability to expand memory without changing the host board, CAN channels, CAN drivers, and other suitable microcontrollers that can support a given driver. It may be a controller.

  The CAN bus connection 552 includes RJ-45 connectors for all system resources that require access to the CAN bus. A Philips TJA1054 CAN transceiver or other suitable CAN transceiver 606 is used as an interface to the CAN bus 552, 554 of the microcontroller 604.

  Electric power is supplied from the mattress system to the algorithm board 526. The algorithm board linearly adjusts the power supply for the logic circuit of the board itself. The system power supply is also linearly adjusted for the tracking identification tag 544. The algorithm 526 also distributes power to the sensor hub 508 and the air control board 512 of the display board 526.

  As described above, the blower 198 provides high volume low pressure air that circulates through a portion of the patient support 10. Microcontroller 604 controls the speed of blower 198 via PWM output 608. The algorithm controlled microcontroller 604 also supplies power to the blower motor via a high current connection 610 that is monitored by one of the analog and digital inputs of the microcontroller. When the microcontroller 604 detects an abnormal current, it can stop the power supply of the blower.

  Further, the microcontroller 604 starts or stops the pressurization / depressurization electromagnetic valve 206 disposed in the control unit 42 by control. The microcontroller output 612 is used to control an electromagnetic driver that starts the switching valve 206. One GPIO pin is provided on the ground side of this solenoid, and another GPIO pin is provided on the upper side of this solenoid. With this control on the upper and lower sides, the solenoid can be turned off if any component fails in the drive circuit. The PWM control of the upper switch has a function of repeatedly reducing the average electromagnetic current once the solenoid is turned on.

  Another output of the microcontroller 604 is used to control the optically isolated triac switch 614 to provide switching AC power to the compressor 204. The triac circuit 614 detects when switched AC power is present and optically couples this information back to the input to the microcontroller for monitoring purposes. As described above, the pressure sensor input 616 is also coupled to the microcontroller 604.

  Referring back to FIG. 19, touch screen 524 includes a resistive 5-wire touch screen used in conjunction with liquid crystal display 546. A cheaper 4-wire touch screen can also be used, but currently a 5-wire touch screen has been chosen. A suitable touch screen is 8.4 inch (about 21.3 cm) touch screen part number E24724-000 from “Accutouch®” of Touch Panel Systems (Elo). "Intellitouch" (Intellitouch surface way touchscreen) from Touch Panel Systems can also be used.

  As described above, the touch screen 524 is used to display mattress control information and selection items to a caregiver, technician, or other end user, and to receive input commands from the end user. The remaining figures illustrate user interface screens implemented using the touch screen 524.

  22A and 22B show a user interface screen of a patient support on which no patient is placed. 22A and 22B, the view of patient support 622 shows that the head of patient support 10 is currently lifted. The user interface includes a first display unit 618 and a second display unit 620. A graphical display of patient support 622 is shown in second display 620. The first display unit 618 includes a plurality of buttons 624, 626, 628, 630, and 632. In the illustrated embodiment, these buttons are each activated by contact with a human or by contact with another object. When one of these buttons is activated, the display or outline of the button changes. For example, in FIG. 22A, the key lock button 626 is dimmed to indicate that the key lock button 626 has been activated. When the key lock button 626 is activated, all other buttons cannot be used. For example, it is indicated that the button is unusable by changing to a light color display as shown in the figure. When the key lock button 626 is activated, the related function is not executed even if it touches the other buttons 624, 628, 630, 632. When the key lock button 626 is in the start mode, when the key lock button 626 is touched, the key lock is operated so as not to operate, and the touch screen is unlocked. The touch screen 524 then remains unlocked for some time, eg, 2 minutes, or until the key lock button 626 or other button is activated. When the touch screen 524 is unlocked, the key lock button 626 is displayed in a light color and the remaining buttons are displayed in a dark color. FIG. 22B shows the touch screen 524 with the key lock 626 off.

  When menu button 624 is activated, a plurality of auxiliary menu buttons for controlling various functions of patient support 10 appear. The left and right turn assist buttons 628 and 630 control the turn assist bags 74A and 74B. Activation of the left turn assist button 628 results in inflating the left turn assist to assist the caregiver in rotating the patient disposed on the mattress 10. Similarly, activation of the right turn assist button 630 starts the right turn assist bag to rotate the patient to the right. Activation of the maximum inflation button 632 causes the patient support 10 to be excessively inflated, for example, for cardiopulmonary resuscitation treatment.

  In FIGS. 22C and 22D, a graphical display 622 of the patient support 10 in a horizontal position, showing that the mattress 10 or parts thereof are not lifted, is shown on a similar touch screen display.

  FIG. 23 shows a pull-down menu that starts when the menu button 624 is pressed. The pull-down menu includes a plurality of menu options including alarm settings 636, motion monitor 638, surface map 640, hardness change function or “comfort adjustment” 642, language 644 and check 646. Each of these menu options is described below.

  When the alarm setting button 636 is activated, a screen as shown in FIG. 24 is displayed. The alarm setting part of the user interface is used by caregivers or other end users to build various alarms that can be used to alert the caregiver if the patient may have moved to a dangerous location Is done. For example, a bed exit alert 648 is provided because the caregiver may construct the control unit 42 to alert the caregiver that the patient appears to be preparing to leave the bed. As shown in FIG. 24, there are several possible bed exit alarms, including getting up, sitting on the edge and getting out of bed. Thus, the caregiver can choose to be notified when the patient is awake, when the patient appears to be sitting on the edge of the bed, or when the patient is already off the bed. These buttons are activated by contact, and when the buttons are activated, the display changes as shown.

  Another alarm option available is an alarm 650 that signals the condition lying on the edge. If the alarm 650 that signals lying on the edge is activated, the caregiver will be notified when the patient is resting on the edge of the bed.

  Once the caregiver has selected the desired alarm type, the caregiver can change the volume of the alarm by pressing the plus or minus button 652. The relative volume of the alarm is shown in the graphical representation of the stacked bar. As described herein, the alarm is an audio signal, but may be a visual or electrical signal, or other suitable alarm. Similar adjustment functions may be included to control the brightness of the display screen.

  FIGS. 25A through 25D illustrate pop-up user interface windows that may appear in response to selection of a corresponding bed exit alert. These pop-up windows correspond to the selected buttons shown in FIG. For example, when the button 648 informing the state of waking up is activated, a window informing of the state of waking up shown in FIGS. 25A and 25C is displayed to the end user. The pop-up window includes a mute button 654 and a reset button 656. The mute button 654 is used to disable the alarm. The reset button 656 is used to reconstruct the alarm or reset the alarm parameters to the previous settings. The pop-up window shown in FIG. 25A displays buttons 654 and 656 that are displayed dark during operation for a certain period of time, for example, 15 minutes, unless one of the buttons is activated. As shown in FIG. 25B, if none of the buttons are activated after this period has expired, these buttons are disabled. Figures 25C and 25D show similar pop-up windows for other available bed exit alerts. FIG. 25C shows an alarm pop-up window indicating that the patient is sitting on the edge of the bed, and FIG. 25D shows an alarm pop-up window indicating that the patient is away from the bed. Note that the graphical display of the patient shown on the left hand side of the pop-up window varies depending on the type of alarm selected. If the bed exit alarm is selected to indicate that the patient is awake, an alarm is issued when the patient leaves the head of the mattress. Therefore, the alarm that informs the state of waking up is usually a more sensitive alarm because it warns the caregiver when the patient starts to move.

  When the bed exit alarm is selected to indicate that the person is sitting on the edge of the bed, an alarm is issued when the patient moves away from the center of the mattress toward the exit point. This setting typically alerts the caregiver when the patient is preparing to leave the bed. An alarm that informs the user that the person is away from the bed generates an alarm when the mattress 10 no longer detects the presence of the patient. If an alarm is selected that indicates a condition away from the bed, the patient can move freely in the bed without triggering the alarm, but the caregiver is alerted when the patient leaves the bed.

  FIGS. 26A and 26B show a similar pop-up window that is displayed when an alarm 650 is triggered to signal the condition lying on the edge. If an alarm is selected that signals the condition of lying on the edge, an alarm is issued when the patient is lying on one end of the bed away from the center of the bed. When this setting is used, the caregiver is alerted if the patient is leaning on the side rail or lying down from the bed.

  The pop-up window shown in FIGS. 25C and 25D shows a part of the operation monitoring function 638. In general, the motion monitoring function allows the caregiver to monitor the activity level of the patient on the mattress 10 over a period of time. For example, in FIG. 26C, the pop-up window indicates that the patient activity level has been below the motion monitoring level threshold for 90 minutes. As constructed, caregivers are not warned about changes in patient activity levels. The period for triggering alerts can be adjusted individually. Regarding the motion monitoring function, US patent application Ser. No. 11 / 119,635 filed on May 2, 2005, assigned to the assignee of the present invention, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. (Agency reference number 8266-1406).

  In the illustrated embodiment, the user interface alarm settings and action monitor is a graphical display showing a specific appearance, i.e., a human body lying adjacent to the end of the bed in the case of an alarm that signals the condition lying on the edge. including. The graphical display varies depending on the particular alarm setting or action monitoring function selected.

  FIG. 27 shows an interface display 640 for the surface map 658. The surface map 658 is a graphical display in real time or snapshot of the pressure distribution applied to the surface 10. In the illustrated embodiment, legend 660 indicates that darker colors indicate higher pressures, while lower pressures indicate lighter colors. The example surface map 658 shown in FIG. 27 shows that pressure may be concentrated in the center of the mattress 10. The surface map 658 is updated in real time. For example, as the patient moves from lying to sitting, the surface map changes to indicate that the pressure distribution at the mattress seat is concentrated. The surface map 658 may be used to allow an end user to quickly assess the risk of developing bed sores by showing areas of higher pressure using clinical objectives, eg, diagrams. The surface map 658 may be used by a maintenance technician, for example, to build or check a mattress. Access to the surface map 658 can be restricted, for example, by requesting a password.

  In the illustrated embodiment, a hardness change or comfort adjustment function 642 is also provided. The hardness change function allows the caregiver to adjust the in-bag pressure of one or more air bags in the mattress 10 to make the patient comfortable. For example, if a patient desires a harder mattress, the bag pressure may be increased. In the illustrated embodiment, a hardness changing function is provided in addition to the automatic pressure relaxation function, but this is not always the case. No. 60 / 697,748, filed Jul. 8, 2005, which is assigned to the assignee of the present invention and whose entire disclosure is incorporated herein by reference. (Agency reference number 8266-1403) and the corresponding international application (Agency reference number 8266-1561) filed on the same day.

Language menu item 644 allows the end user to build the control unit user interface in a particular language, eg, English, Spanish or French.
Inspection menu item 646 allows the end user to obtain maintenance related information for mattress 10.

  FIGS. 28A to 28D show examples of interface display screens related to the hardness changing function or the comfort level adjusting function 642. A mattress graphic is displayed, showing one or more bars 672 in each part of the mattress. One or more bars 672 are shown in each part of the mattress. The number of bars corresponds to the relative internal pressure of the bag at a particular part of the mattress. For example, in FIG. 28A, the pressure is higher at the mattress head and foot of the mattress foot and the pressure is lower at the mattress seat. FIGS. 28B and 28D show that when the patient is on the mattress 10, the graphical representation of the bed changes to include the patient. Also, when the patient is on the mattress 10 and the mattress head is lifted to an angle greater than 30 degrees, the graphic display changes again as shown by the roll-up assistance unnecessary icon 676 and the angle display 674. The turn-up assistance unnecessary icon 676 displays a graphic indicating that the turn-up assistance bag may not be inflated when the mattress head angle is greater than 30 degrees. As shown in FIGS. 28B and 28D, the angle display 674 graphically displays that the head angle is smaller or larger than 30 degrees. These graphical displays allow a caregiver or other end user to quickly assess the condition of the patient using the mattress 10. These graphic displays also provide a simplified method of communication to caregivers or end users who speak different languages.

  Service menu item 646 also provides online tutorial functionality to caregivers, service technicians, and other end users. 29A and 29B illustrate the online tutorial function. In FIG. 29A, for example, a static figure is provided to show the turning assist function. The graphic 662 is accompanied by a sentence providing supplementary explanation. The end user can activate display button 664 to view a video demonstration of the bed function selected online. When the display button 664 is activated, the video 666 associated with the selected function (eg, turning over assistance) is played. A pause button 670 and a play button 668 are provided so that the end user can pause the playback of the video at any time or play the video.

  30A through 30F illustrate an example of a series of user interface displays that can be provided to communicate the status of the mattress 10 automatic pressure relief feature to the end user. For an example of an automatic pressure relief feature, US patent application Ser. No. 11 / 119,991, filed May 2, 2004, assigned to the assignee of the present invention, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. This is described in more detail in the specification of the issue (agent reference number 8266-1287). As described above, the graphical features of the display shown in FIGS. 30A-30F allow a caregiver or other end user to quickly assess the condition of the mattress 10 and the patient on it. In the illustrated embodiment, when a new patient is initially placed on the mattress 10, the automatic pressure relief feature automatically begins to optimize the pressure relief state of the mattress 10. In FIG. 30A, bar 680 indicates which part or which parts of mattress 10 are optimized. 30B and 30C show an example of a user interface display when the patient's head angle is greater than 30 degrees from the horizontal position. FIGS. 30D-30F are similar graphical representations of a patient on a mattress in a horizontal position (not articulated).

  FIG. 31A to FIG. 31D illustrate user interface displays related to the turning assist function of the mattress 10. The caregiver chooses to activate one of the turn assist buttons 628, 630, but warns before starting the turn assist function when the bed has side rails and these side rails are in the down position A window 682 appears and instructs the caregiver to move the side rail to the upper limit position. FIG. 31D shows the interface display displayed when the caregiver selects the left turn assist button 628. This display graphically displays the patient 684 rotated to the left. A similar graphic display is shown in FIG. 31C for activation of the right turn assist function 630. When the caregiver tries to start the turning assist function 628, 630, but the head of the mattress 10 is lifted more than 30 degrees from the horizontal position, a pop-up window as shown in FIG. 31D is displayed. This display 686 includes an indication that the head angle of the mattress must be lowered below 30 degrees in order to use the turning assist function. If the turning assist function is already operating when the head angle exceeds 30 degrees, the turning assist function stops. When the head angle of the mattress is smaller than 30 degrees from the horizontal position, the pop-up window is not displayed and the turning assist function can be continued.

  32A and 32B illustrate graphical displays on the display 24 that will be displayed to the end user when the cardiopulmonary resuscitation button 30 or the maximum inflation button 632 is activated. As shown in FIG. 32A, a message 688 is displayed to indicate to the caregiver that the cardiopulmonary resuscitation or maximum inflation function is active. Once the cardiopulmonary resuscitation function is complete or after a period of time has elapsed without interaction, a second message 690 is displayed indicating that the mattress is scheduled to return to standard pressure relief mode.

  FIG. 33 is an example of a user interface for initial construction of the mattress 10, that is, during installation. Generally, such construction is performed by an authorized maintenance technician. Access to this and other screens may be password protected or otherwise restricted to authorized personnel.

  For example, general site specific information is displayed in window 692, such as the type of bed frame used in mattress 10, the service contact number to call when there is a question or problem, and the default operation mode of the mattress. . In the illustrated embodiment, the default mode of operation is the automatic pressure relaxation mode of US patent application Ser. No. 11 / 119,991 (Attorney Docket No. 8266-1287), which is incorporated herein by reference above and by reference. . The automatic pressure relief mode may be disabled so that the mattress always maintains a preset bag pressure, for example based on the weight of the patient.

  FIG. 34 is an example of a user interface screen that may be displayed on the control unit 42 to input the patient's weight. This screen may be password protected or access restricted so that only authorized persons can enter the patient's weight. As shown, a numeric keypad 706 and a digital display 708 of the patient's weight are provided. An “input” key or similar mechanism 710 is provided so that these triggers (eg, human contact) cause the input weight to be stored in the system. A “pound / kilogram” toggle button or similar mechanism 712 may be provided to allow the patient's weight to be entered in pounds or kilograms, or other suitable units of measurement. An “erase” button 714 may be provided so that the entered weight value can be changed or edited before it is determined.

  A menu 698 displays a list of bed frame options for selecting an appropriate frame. Once the type of bed is selected, the mattress may be inflated upon activation of button 694 and, depending on the type of bed selected upon activation of button 696, the pressure relief system (if applicable). Calibration is performed in one or more ways. The video display window 704 may display a demonstration video to help the end user understand mattress construction, maintenance, or other procedures. Play and stop buttons 700, 702 are provided to allow the end user to play and stop the video.

  The present invention has been described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments, modifications and uses. However, the invention is defined by the appended claims and is not limited by the described embodiments, modifications, and uses.

  Aspects according to the invention are more specifically described with reference to the following drawings, which illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a control unit according to the present invention supported on a footboard portion of a typical hospital room bed. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a patient support control unit disposed on a footbed portion of a typical patient bed, with a portion of the patient support cut away to show the internal components of the patient support. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary patient support, with a portion cut away to show the internal components of the patient support. FIG. FIG. 3 is an exploded view of typical patient support components. FIG. 2 is a schematic view of an exemplary patient support air region and control unit coupling. FIG. 2 is a schematic view of portions of a typical patient support control system. FIG. 2 is a schematic view of portions of a typical patient support control system. 1 is an exploded view of a typical air assembly. FIG. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the air assembly shown in FIG. 8. It is a functional block diagram which shows the head area | region and seat part area | region sensor connected to the communication network, and another system component. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a control system according to the present invention including an algorithm control unit. It is a perspective view of the control unit by this invention. It is a perspective view of the control unit which rotated the display part upward. It is a disassembled perspective view of the joint to the control unit housing | casing and the control unit housing | casing of a display part. It is a perspective view of the control unit which removes a part of housing | casing in order to show an internal component. It is a perspective view of the control unit which removes and shows a part of housing | casing in order to show another internal component. It is a disassembled perspective view of the internal component of a control unit seen from the viewpoint which faced the front of the control unit. It is a disassembled perspective view of the internal component of a control unit seen from the viewpoint which turned the back of the control unit. It is a schematic block diagram of the internal structure of a control unit. It is a schematic block diagram of the internal structure of the display board of a control unit. It is a schematic block diagram of the internal structure of the algorithm control board of a control unit. 22A-D show typical user interfaces of the main display screen of the control unit. Fig. 3 shows a typical user interface for a pull-down menu of a control unit. 2 shows an exemplary user interface for building control unit alarm settings. Figure 3 shows an exemplary user interface for building a selected alert type. Figure 3 shows an exemplary user interface for building a selected alert type. Figure 3 shows an exemplary user interface for building a selected alert type. Figure 3 shows an exemplary user interface for building a selected alert type. Figure 3 shows an exemplary user interface for building a selected alert type. Figures 26A-D show typical user interfaces for building other alert types. 2 shows an exemplary user interface for a surface pressure map. Figures 28A-D show exemplary user interfaces for building a hardness change function. FIGS. 29A and B show exemplary user interfaces for viewing usage instructions associated with a patient support. FIGS. 30A-F show exemplary user interfaces for monitoring the pressure relief function. FIGS. 31A-D show a typical user interface for monitoring a roll assist function. FIGS. 32A and B show exemplary user interfaces for monitoring cardiopulmonary resuscitation function. 2 shows a typical user interface for mattress initialization. Fig. 2 shows a typical user interface for patient weight input.

Claims (22)

A control unit for a patient support, the control unit comprising a housing adapted to be removably coupled to a patient support, the housing comprising a controller;
A first portion operably coupled to the controller for supplying high volume low pressure air to the first interior space of the patient support; and supplying low volume high pressure air to the second interior space of the patient support An air source including a second portion operably coupled to the controller,
A user interface coupled to the housing;
A light bar coupled to the housing and selectively controllable by the controller to illuminate in one of a plurality of modes;
Defining an interior region containing
Each of the plurality of modes indicates a state of the patient support, a state of the control unit, or a state of a patient supported by the patient support;
A control unit wherein each of the plurality of modes includes a color indicating a different operating state of the control unit. The control unit of claim 1, wherein the first part includes a blower and the second part includes a compressor.   The control unit of claim 1, further comprising a hose coupling coupled to the air source. Control unit according to claim 3 including a second coupling portion to which the hose coupling is bonded to the first joint portion and the second portion attached to said first portion.   The control unit according to claim 1, further comprising a display unit that is pivotally coupled to the housing.   The control unit of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of communication ports including a wireless connectivity port.   The control unit of claim 1, further comprising a memory port configured to receive a removable memory card.   The control unit according to claim 1, further comprising an identification tag coupled to the housing. A control unit for a patient support according to claim 1,
The control unit further comprises a display unit pivotably connected to the housing,
A control unit, wherein the display unit is movable relative to the housing between a raised position and a lowered position, and the display unit includes a video display unit and a touch screen user interface.   The control unit according to claim 9, wherein the display unit includes a wireless access port.   The control unit according to claim 9, wherein the display unit includes a memory port configured to receive a removable memory.   The control unit according to claim 9, further comprising a friction hinge coupled between the display unit and the housing. The control unit according to claim 9, wherein an operation range of the display unit is greater than 180 degrees.   The control unit according to claim 9, further comprising a detent configured to hold the display in the lowered position.   The control unit of claim 9, wherein the user interface includes a graphical representation of a patient support that changes based on the presence or absence of a patient on the patient support. A control unit for a patient support, the control unit comprising a housing adapted to be removably coupled to a patient support, the housing comprising a controller;
A first portion operably coupled to the controller for supplying high volume low pressure air to the first interior space of the patient support; and supplying low volume high pressure air to the second interior space of the patient support An air source including a second portion operably coupled to the controller,
A user interface coupled to the housing;
A light bar coupled to the housing and selectively controllable by the controller to illuminate in one of a plurality of lighting modes;
Defining an interior region containing
When the patient support is in a position for cardiopulmonary resuscitation, the light bar is illuminated in a first lighting mode of a first color;
When the control unit requires inspection, the light bar is lit in a second lighting mode of a second color different from the first color;
When the control unit is turned on and is operating normally, the light bar is lit in a third lighting mode of a third color different from the first and second colors;
In the third lighting mode, the light bar is lit without interruption when the control unit is operating normally in the first operating mode, and the control unit operates normally in the second operating mode. Control unit that blinks when   17. The control unit according to claim 16, wherein the light bar is lit in a fourth mode when an alarm is issued. The control unit according to claim 1,
A control unit further comprising a display configured to display a graphical user interface including at least one graphical display that automatically changes in response to a change in operating state of the patient support.   The control unit according to claim 18, wherein the graphic display is for displaying a patient support, and the graphic display is automatically changed according to a human body arranged on the patient support.   The control unit according to claim 18, wherein the graphic display is for displaying a patient support, and the graphic display is automatically changed according to a part of the patient support being joint-driven.   The control unit according to claim 18, wherein the graphic display is for displaying a patient support, and the graphic display is automatically changed in accordance with an expansion change of the patient support.   19. The control unit according to claim 18, wherein the graphical display displays a pressure map of a patient support, and the pressure map automatically changes according to patient movement.

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